National Magazines Recognize WGU for Supporting Military

SALT LAKE CITY, Feb. 8, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Western Governors University (WGU) has again been recognized by two national magazines for supporting military service members and their families. For the 10^th consecutive year, Military Advanced Education & Transition (MAE&T) has designated WGU as a Top School while, for the 6^th consecutive year, Victory Media has recognized WGU as Military Friendly. Both designations reflect WGU's exceptional ability to provide flexible, accessible degree programs for service members who have unique educational needs.

Of the more than 77,000 WGU students currently enrolled across the country, more than 10 percent are active-duty military personnel, dependent family members, or veterans.

Learn more about WGU's military and veteran benefits at www.wgu.edu/military and by following @WGU on social media.

"WGU's competency-based approach is my preferred way to learn," said Eddie Maldonado, a veteran and graduate of WGU's MBA in Healthcare Management program. "In the Air Force, you have to prove by doing – its vocational. Everything is competency-based in the military. So when I found WGU and their competency model, it made sense to me."

Competency-based education is ideal for adults—especially military personnel—because it allows students to study and learn when their schedules allow. Students can apply what they have learned at work, in the service, and in previous courses to move quickly through what they already know, while taking the time they need to focus on what they still need to learn. Students who devote additional time to their studies can often accelerate their programs, saving both time and money. WGU faculty members work one-on-one with students as mentors, offering guidance, support, and individualized instruction.

"There are many different variables by which you could evaluate an institution, but we focus on the best practices that have been asserted by various higher education groups and reinforced by veteran groups. These best practices assure students that they have a high chance of success and support at their school of choice," said Kelly Fodel, MAE&T's editor-in-chief.

WGU's online bachelor's and master's degree programs are approved for tuition assistance for active-duty, reserve, and National Guard personnel. Veterans are also eligible for education benefits through the G.I. Bill. Because of WGU's affordable tuition of about $6,000 per year for most programs, veterans are generally eligible for benefits that fully cover tuition and fees. WGU's various scholarship programs, like the WGU Military Appreciation Scholarship, can similarly aid students in realizing their educational aspirations.

About WGU
Established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, online, nonprofit WGU now serves more than 77,000 students nationwide and has more than 75,000 graduates in all 50 states. Driving innovation as the nation's leading competency-based university, WGU has been recognized by the White House, state leaders, employers, and students as a model that works in postsecondary education. In less than 20 years, the university has become a leading influence in changing the lives of individuals and families, and preparing the workforce needed in today's rapidly evolving economy. WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, has been named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies, and was featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times. Learn more at www.wgu.edu.

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SOURCE Western Governors University

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